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Jol plays down Defoe talk

By Graeme Bailey

Tottenham coach Martin Jol has played down claims of a possible spat with Jermain Defoe.

Tottenham coach Martin Jol has played down claims of a possible spat with Jermain Defoe.

The England striker was an unused substitute at the weekend as Spurs claimed a memorable 3-2 success over Blackburn.

At one point Defoe was stripped and ready to come on, but he did not make it and at the final whistle went straight down the tunnel.

"Did you expect him to go to the halfway line and wave at everybody?" said Jol.

"Jermain scored three goals in the last two home games and made the assist for Robbie Keane at Sunderland. He has done well.

"The Egyptian coach made a decision with Mido in the African Nations Cup. I had a feeling, it was not about making a decision.

"It's not a massive thing. Jermain will play again in the next game, probably.

"I don't think it's a matter of showing disappointment when you go into the tunnel. It's a normal thing.

"I feel for him. It was the same for Robbie when I dropped him for the last match.

"We talk about that sort of thing - but not all the time because if you have to explain things all the time, it will be annoying for the player."

Despite Jol's claims - reports have already linked with a move for a possible replacement for Defoe, who is being tipped to leave in the summer.

The first name mentioned in connection with Spurs is Aston Villa's Juan Pablo Angel, who like Defoe is believed to be growing concerned at his lack of first team action.

Spurs have also been linked with a summer raid on Sunderland for Julio Arca.

Tottenham struggle for left sided options and have seen raids for Stewart Downing and Matt Taylor fail in recent months - but now Arca is reported to be high on Jol's list of targets - and The Black Cats' imminent relegation is likely to mean that the Argentine will depart The Stadium of Light at the end of the season.